U.S. patent application number 10/742206 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-23 for compact removal feature and removal tool for rolling element bearings.
This patent application is currently assigned to Honeywell International Inc.. Invention is credited to Bridges, Eric B., Frost, Cristopher.
Application Number | 20050132554 10/742206 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34678394 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050132554 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bridges, Eric B. ; et
al. |
June 23, 2005 |
Compact removal feature and removal tool for rolling element
bearings
Abstract
A compact removal feature comprises a plurality of recesses,
such as radius slots, on an inner diameter (ID) of a bearing inner
ring. The removal tool can engage the removal feature and remove
the entire bearing assembly without damage to the parts. The
placement of the removal feature on the bearing inner ring ID
allows for a reduction in inner ring length (and weight) while
maintaining bearing assembly integrity.
Inventors: |
Bridges, Eric B.; (Tempe,
AZ) ; Frost, Cristopher; (Scottsdale, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Honeywell International, Inc.
Law Dept. AB2
P.O. Box 2245
Morristown
NJ
07962-9806
US
|
Assignee: |
Honeywell International
Inc.
Morristown
NJ
|
Family ID: |
34678394 |
Appl. No.: |
10/742206 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/426.1 ;
29/256; 29/426.5; 29/898.08 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16C 2300/02 20130101;
F16C 33/586 20130101; F16C 35/062 20130101; F16C 2237/00 20130101;
Y10T 29/49698 20150115; Y10T 29/5387 20150115; Y10T 29/49815
20150115; Y10T 29/53857 20150115; Y10T 29/49696 20150115; B25B
27/062 20130101; Y10T 29/53865 20150115; F16C 19/06 20130101; Y10T
29/53874 20150115; F16C 33/60 20130101; Y10T 29/53861 20150115;
Y10T 29/53848 20150115; Y10T 29/49822 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
029/426.1 ;
029/426.5; 029/898.08; 029/256 |
International
Class: |
B23P 019/00; B21K
001/76 |
Goverment Interests
[0001] The invention was made with Government support under
contract number N00019-01-C-3002 under the Joint Strike Fighter
(JSF) program. The Government has certain rights in this invention.
Claims
We claim:
1. A removal apparatus for removing a bearing assembly comprising:
a removal feature positioned on an inner diameter of a bearing
inner ring of said bearing assembly, said removal feature capable
of being engaged by a removal tool.
2. The removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein said removal feature
comprises a plurality of recesses.
3. The removal apparatus of claim 2, wherein each said recess
comprises a radius slot.
4. The removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein said removal feature
comprises three radius slots.
5. The removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein said removal tool
comprises at least two finger tabs capable of engaging said removal
feature.
6. The removal apparatus of claim 5, wherein each said finger tab
comprises an elongated member having an arc-shaped portion.
7. The removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein said removal feature
has a radial depth between about 1 mm and about 10 mm.
8. The removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bearing assembly
is a split-inner ring ball bearing, and wherein said removal
feature is positioned on an inner diameter of a bearing forward
inner ring of said split-ring ball bearing.
9. The removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein said removal tool has
a removal bolt with bolt wrench flats for providing an axial
force.
10. The removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein said removal feature
has an axial width between about 1 mm and about 4 mm.
11. A removal tool for a bearing assembly comprising: a removal
bolt capable of providing an axial force; a removal nut/finger
retainer assembly in contact with said removal bolt; at least two
finger tabs, each said finger tab pivotally attached to said
removal nut/finger retainer assembly and capable of engaging an
inner diameter removal feature of said bearing assembly; a shaft
seating surface/finger tab guide positioned on an after end of said
removal bolt and in contact with each said finger tab; and a tab
engagement retainer in moveable contact with said removal bolt and
each said finger tab, said tab engagement retainer capable of
urging each said finger tab radially outward and into said inner
diameter removal feature.
12. The removal tool of claim 11, wherein said removal bolt has
bolt wrench flats at a forward end of said removal bolt.
13. The removal tool of claim 11, further comprising an anti-torque
handle in contact with said removal bolt.
14. The removal tool of claim 11, wherein said removal nut/finger
retainer assembly has assembly wrench flats.
15. The removal tool of claim 11, wherein said inner diameter
removal feature comprises a plurality of radius slots.
16. The removal tool of claim 11, wherein said tab engagement
retainer comprises a cylindrical member and a retainer flange
extending radially outward from said cylindrical member.
17. The removal tool of claim 11, wherein each said finger tab
comprises an elongated member having a first tab portion and a
second tab portion.
18. The removal tool of claim 17, wherein said shaft seating
surface/finger tab guide has at least two tab openings, each said
tab opening capable of receiving one said second tab portion.
19. The removal tool of claim 17, wherein said second tab portion
has an axial width between about 1 mm and about 5 mm.
20. The removal tool of claim 17, wherein said second tab portion
has a radial length between about 1 mm and about 10 mm.
21. A removal apparatus for an aerospace bearing assembly having a
bearing bore protuberance comprising: a removal bolt; a removal
nut/puller sleeve radially outward from said removal bolt; a
reaction tube radially inward from said removal nut/puller sleeve
and radially outward from said removal bolt; and at least two
finger tabs, each said finger tab in moveable contact with said
removal nut/puller sleeve and said reaction tube, each said finger
tab capable of engaging a removal feature on an inner diameter of a
bearing inner ring of said aerospace bearing assembly.
22. The removal apparatus of claim 21, wherein said bearing inner
ring comprises a bearing aft inner ring, a bearing forward inner
ring, and a bore clip; and wherein said removal feature is
positioned on an inner diameter of said bearing forward inner
ring.
23. The removal apparatus of claim 21, wherein said removal
nut/puller sleeve has sleeve wrench flats on an outer diameter of
one end and has at least one finger tab holder on an inner diameter
of the other end.
24. A removal apparatus for a rolling element bearing comprising:
at least two finger tabs, each said finger tab capable of engaging
a removal feature on an inner diameter of an inner ring of said
rolling element bearing; a tab engagement retainer in moveable
contact with each said finger tab, said tab engagement retainer
capable of urging each said finger tab radially outward and into
said removal feature; and a removal bolt radially inward from and
in contact with said tab engagement retainer, said removal bolt
capable of providing an axial force, said axial force capable of
removing said rolling element bearing.
25. The removal apparatus of claim 24, wherein said rolling element
bearing is a split-inner ring bearing, said inner ring is a bearing
forward inner ring, and said removal feature comprises at least two
radius slots.
26. A method of removing a bearing assembly comprising the steps
of: providing a removal feature on an inner diameter of a bearing
inner ring of said bearing assembly, said removal feature comprises
at least two recesses; providing a removal tool having at least two
finger tabs; positioning said removal tool such that each said
finger tab is radially inward from and in-line with said removal
feature; engaging said at least two finger tabs such that said
finger tabs are urged radially outward and into said removal
feature; and providing an axial force to remove said bearing
assembly.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein each said recess comprises a
radius slot.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein said bearing assembly has a
protuberance and said removal tool has a removal nut/puller sleeve;
further comprising a step of positioning said removal nut/puller
sleeve radially outward from said protuberance.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein said step of engaging comprises
urging a reaction tube of said removal tool such that said reaction
tube is radially inward from and in contact with a second tab
portion of each said finger tab.
30. The method of claim 26, wherein said step of engaging comprises
manually sliding a tab engagement retainer of said removal
tool.
31. The method of claim 26, wherein said step of providing a
removal feature comprises milling a plurality of radius slots
during the manufacturing of said bearing assembly.
32. The method of claim 26, wherein said step of providing an axial
force comprises rotating a removal bolt of said removal tool such
that said axial force is produced and said bearing assembly is
removed.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to rolling element
bearings and, more particularly, to removal features and removal
tools for rolling element bearings.
[0003] Rolling element bearings have been used extensively in many
products such as engines, transmissions, drivetrains, gearboxes,
and machine tools. Rolling element bearings may comprise inner and
outer bearing rings and bearing balls or rollers there between. The
rolling element bearing may be positioned within the product such
that the inner diameter of the rolling element bearing is in
contact with a bearing shaft. The rolling element bearing may be
removed for product disassembly or bearing replacement. Removal
methods and removal tools have been described.
[0004] Ball bearing pullers that grip an outer diameter edge of the
bearing assembly have been used. For a bearing assembly having an
inaccessible outer edge, crude methods of removal have included
destruction of the bearing with torches, grinders, and chisels. For
some applications, these destructive methods may not be desirable
and other methods have been disclosed.
[0005] A ball bearing puller attachment has been disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,916,791. In the described removal method, links are
positioned between the balls of the bearing assembly to grip the
inner or outer raceway groove. The bearing assembly is then removed
by axial force. For bearings that are interference (press) fitted
onto a shaft, thrust overload may damage the bearing. Additionally,
the gripping links will damage the bearing raceway rendering the
bearing not reusable. Further, the described tool is not useful for
bearings having ball separators because the links must fit between
the balls to engage the outer race.
[0006] Another removal tool has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,088,898. The described method positions wedge shaped insertion
edges behind the bearing outer races or sleeves press fitted into a
housing. The tool requires the bearing to be disassembled with only
the outer ring remaining in the housing. Damage to parts may occur
due to the high radial forces needed to drive the wedges behind the
bearing race/sleeve. Although, the described tool may be used to
remove some bearing outer races, it is not useful for bearing
assemblies having the inner ring press-fitted onto a shaft.
Further, the use of a slide hammer to exert axial force may result
in part damage for some applications, such as aerospace
bearings.
[0007] A removal tool using a threaded shaft (jackscrew) to exert
axial force has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,435. The tool
uses a mandrel having drive shoulders to engage the bearing.
Although, the tool may be used to remove a press-fitted bearing
inner ring or outer ring, it cannot engage and remove a complete
bearing assembly. Only a single press-fitted inner or outer ring
can remain to allow tool access. Additionally, the shoulders may
damage the functional raceway surfaces, rendering the bearing not
reusable. The tool cannot engage and safely remove an entire
bearing assembly, such as a non-separable conrad ball bearing or a
split-inner ring ball bearing, with no damage to the raceways or
functional surfaces.
[0008] A method for removing an entire bearing assembly has
included axially extending the bearing inner ring. A puller groove
removal feature is provided on the outward surface (outer diameter)
of the extended portion of the inner ring to facilitate removal
tool engagement. The disclosed method may be used to safely remove
the entire bearing assembly when the inner ring is press-fitted to
the shaft and when there is insufficient clearance to fit a removal
tool around the outer diameter of the bearing assembly to engage
the aft face for removal. Unfortunately, the extended portion of
the inner ring adds weight and length to the bearing assembly,
which in many designs must be minimized. On high speed rotor
systems, such as some gas turbine rotors, excess mass and length
can reduce rotordynamic critical speed margin and result in high
vibration and bearing loads.
[0009] As can be seen, there is a need for improved bearing removal
tools and removal methods. Additionally, improved removal methods
are needed wherein the entire bearing assembly can be removed
without damage to the parts. Bearing removal methods are needed
wherein bearing inner ring weight and axial length are minimized.
Improved removal tools are needed for removing bearings having ball
separators. Further, improved bearing removal tools are needed for
removing bearings having press-fitted inner rings and inaccessible
outer diameter edges.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, a removal apparatus
for removing a bearing assembly comprises a removal feature
positioned on an inner diameter of a bearing inner ring of the
bearing assembly, the removal feature capable of being engaged by a
removal tool.
[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, a removal tool
for a bearing assembly comprises a removal bolt capable of
providing an axial force; a removal nut/finger retainer assembly in
contact with the removal bolt; at least two finger tabs pivotally
attached to the removal nut/finger retainer assembly and capable of
engaging inner diameter recesses of the bearing assembly; a shaft
seating surface/finger tab guide positioned on an after end of the
removal bolt and in contact with the finger tabs; an anti-torque
handle in contact with the removal bolt; and a tab engagement
retainer in moveable contact with the removal bolt and the finger
tabs, the tab engagement retainer capable of urging the finger tabs
radially outward and into the inner diameter recesses.
[0012] In still another aspect of the present invention, a removal
apparatus for an aerospace bearing assembly having bearing bore
protuberances comprises a removal bolt; a removal nut/puller sleeve
in contact with the removal bolt; a reaction tube radially inward
from the removal nut/puller sleeve and radially outward from the
removal bolt; and at least two finger tabs in moveable contact with
the removal nut/puller sleeve and the reaction tube, the finger
tabs capable of engaging removal features on an inner diameter of a
bearing inner ring of the aerospace bearing assembly.
[0013] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a removal
apparatus for a split-inner ring bearing (or other types of rolling
element bearings) comprises at least two finger tabs capable of
engaging radius slots on an inner diameter of a bearing forward
inner ring of the split-inner ring bearing; a tab engagement
retainer in moveable contact with the finger tabs, the tab
engagement retainer capable of urging the finger tabs radially
outward and into the radius slots; and a removal bolt radially
inward from and in contact with the tab engagement retainer, the
removal bolt capable of providing an axial force, the axial force
capable of removing the split-inner ring or other type of rolling
element bearing.
[0014] In a further aspect of the present invention, a method of
removing a bearing assembly comprises the steps of providing a
removal feature on an inner diameter of a bearing inner ring of the
bearing assembly, the removal feature comprises at least two
recesses; providing a removal tool having at least two finger tabs;
positioning the removal tool such that the finger tabs are radially
inward from and in-line with the recesses; engaging the finger tabs
such that the finger tabs are urged radially outward and into the
recesses; and rotating a removal bolt of the removal tool such that
an axial force is produced and the bearing assembly is removed.
[0015] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1a is a cross-sectional view of a prior art bearing
assembly;
[0017] FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view of a bearing assembly
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of a bearing inner ring
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view along line II-II of FIG.
2a;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a removal tool according
to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of shaft seating
surface/finger tab guide of an unengaged removal tool according to
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of a shaft seating
surface/finger tab guide of an engaged removal tool according to
one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a removal tool according
to another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description
is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the
purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention,
since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended
claims.
[0025] The present invention generally provides removal features
and removal tools for rolling element bearings and methods for
producing the same. The removal features and removal tools produced
according to the present invention may find beneficial use in many
industries including aerospace, automotive, and machine tools. The
removal features and removal tools of the present invention may be
beneficial in applications including manufacturing and repair of
automotive and aerospace components, such as engines, drivetrains,
transmissions, and gearboxes. The present invention may be
beneficial in machine tool applications. This invention may be
useful in any rolling element bearing application. It may also be
applied to other components such as gears, shaft sleeves, pump
elements, seal rotors and other components that are press-fitted
onto a shaft.
[0026] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a compact
removal feature and removal tool for a rolling element bearing. The
compact removal feature may comprise a plurality of radius slots
positioned on the inner diameter of the bearing inner ring (bearing
bore). This is unlike the prior art that positions the removal
feature on the outer diameter of the bearing inner ring, requiring
axial extension of the bearing inner ring. Because the removal
feature of the present invention is in the bearing bore, bearing
inner ring axial length may be minimized. Unlike the prior art, an
entire bearing assembly having an inaccessible outer diameter,
press-fitted inner diameter, and ball separators may be removed
without damage to the bearing raceways or extension of the bearing
rings.
[0027] A prior art bearing assembly and a bearing assembly of the
present invention are shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, respectively. The
bearing assembly 20 may comprise a bearing inner ring 30, a bearing
outer ring 33, a bearing ball 34, a ball separator 35, and a
removal feature 21a. The bearing inner ring 30 may be interference
fitted around a bearing shaft 25. The bearing inner ring 30 may be
a split-inner ring 27 and may comprise a bearing forward inner ring
36, a bore clip 37, and a bearing aft inner ring 38. The removal
feature 21b of the present invention may be positioned on an inner
diameter 31 of the bearing inner ring 30. The removal feature 21b
of the present invention may be positioned on a bearing forward
inner ring 36 of the bearing inner ring 30. The removal feature 21a
of the prior art assembly, seen in FIG. 1a, is positioned on an
outer diameter 32 of the bearing inner ring 30. As can be seen, the
bearing inner ring 30 of the prior art assembly is axially extended
to allow for removal feature 21a engagement by a removal tool 40
(partially shown), which adds weight to the bearing assembly
20.
[0028] The present invention may allow for a reduction in bearing
inner ring length. When compared with a prior art assembly, as seen
in FIG. 1a, the present invention may provide a length reduction 26
of the bearing inner ring 30. As can be appreciated by those
skilled in the art, the present invention may reduce the length
(and weight) of the bearing inner ring 30 and may result in reduced
length for the entire engine or machine.
[0029] The removal feature 21b of the present invention may be
positioned on the inner diameter 31 of the bearing inner ring 30
and may extend radially outward. The removal feature 21b may
comprise a plurality of recesses 24, as seen in FIG. 2a. The
removal feature 21b may extend radially outward perpendicular to a
bearing bore centerline axis 23. The removal feature 21b may extend
radially outward at an angle relative to the bearing bore
centerline axis 23. For some applications, the removal feature 21b
may extend radially outward and in a forward direction. The
dimensions of the removal feature 21b, such as axial width and
radial depth, may vary with application. The dimensions may be a
function of factors including bearing diameter and amount of
diametral interference between inner ring 30 and shaft 25. Useful
removal features 21b may have an axial width between about 1 mm and
about 4 mm. Useful removal features 21b may have a radial depth
between about 1 mm and about 10 mm. The useful dimensions for an
application may be determined based on a stress analysis and the
dimensions of the particular application. Other factors effecting
removal feature 21b dimensions may include removal tool
accessibility and removal feature geometry. For example, for an
aerospace bearing having a bearing inner ring 30 diameter of 30 mm,
the dimensions of each recess 24 of the removal feature 21b may be
2.5 mm radial height (radial depth) by 1.75 mm thick (axial
width).
[0030] The removal feature 21b of the present invention, as seen in
FIGS. 2a and 2b, may comprise a plurality of radius slots 22. The
removal feature 21b may be formed during bearing manufacture and
may be produced by known manufacturing processes, such as milling
and grinding. For some applications, such as applications that
experience low axial clamping loads, the removal feature 21b may
comprise a 360.degree. groove. For applications that experience
high axial clamping loads, such as gas turbine engine main rotor
shafting, the removal feature 21b may comprise a plurality of
recesses 24, for example the three radius slots 22 seen in FIG. 2a.
A removal feature 21b comprising a plurality of recesses 24 may
allow for a portion of ring material 29 to remain between adjacent
recesses 24, which may increase bearing assembly strength when
compared to a 360.degree. groove. The recesses 24 may be evenly
spaced on the inner diameter 31 of the bearing inner ring 30. The
recesses 24 may be positioned such that they are circumferentially
in-line with one another. A useful removal feature 21b may comprise
at least two recesses 24. A preferred removal feature 21b may
comprise at least three recesses 24. The number of recesses 24 may
depend on factors including the diameter and composition of the
bearing inner ring 30. The recess 24 may include the radius slot
22, a round opening (not shown), a square opening (not shown), and
others. The recess 24 may be any recessed feature capable of
engaging a removal tool 40.
[0031] The removal tool 40, as seen in FIG. 3, may be capable of
engaging the removal feature 21b and providing an axial force
sufficient to overcome the frictional force of the diametral
interference fit to remove the bearing assembly 20. The axial force
may be provided by a screw thread, such as a removal bolt 41, which
is rotated, drawing bearing assembly 20 outward. The removal tool
40 may comprise a plurality of finger tabs 42 that fit the contour
of the recesses 24. Once the removal tool 40 is inserted into
position, the finger tabs 42 may be engaged by urging the finger
tabs 42 radially outward and into the recesses 24. Methods of
urging the finger tabs 42 may include using a cam device with a
rotating collar and using a screw thread operating a wedge that
forces the finger tabs 42 radially outward. After removal tool 40
insertion and finger tab 42 engagement, an axial load may be
applied to remove the bearing assembly 20 from the bearing shaft
25.
[0032] One embodiment of the removal tool 40, as seen in FIG. 3,
may comprise a removal bolt 41, removal nut/finger retainer
assembly 51, finger tab 42, tab engagement retainer 43, shaft
seating surface/finger tab guide 44, anti-torque handle 45, and pin
46. The removal bolt 41 may have bolt wrench flats 48a at a forward
end 49. The bolt wrench flats 48a may be wrench flats and may be
used for manual rotation of the removal bolt 40 to supply axial
force for bearing removal. Alternately, the removal bolt 40 may
have a cross-pin (not shown) for use in providing the torque used
to apply axial force. The anti-torque handle 45 may be used to hold
the removal tool 40 during bearing removal. Anti-torque handles 45
having any known handle shape may be useful with the present
invention. The anti-torque handle 45 may be useful in positioning
the removal tool 40 such that the finger tabs 42 may engage the
removal feature 21b. Alternatively, assembly wrench flats 48b on
the removal nut/finger retainer assembly 51 can be used in lieu of
the anti-torque handle 45. The assembly wrench flats 48b may be
wrench flats and may differ from the bolt wrench flats 48a in their
position on the removal tool 40.
[0033] The removal tool 40 may have a plurality of finger tabs 42.
The number of finger tabs 42 may equal the number of recesses 24 of
the removal feature 21b. The finger tab 42 may be an elongated
member 39 having a first tab portion 50 and a second tab portion
52, as seen in FIG. 3. The first tab portion 50 may be capable of
being pivotally attached to a removal nut/finger retainer assembly
51 by pin 46. The removal nut/finger retainer assembly 51 may
provide for axial movement of the finger tabs 42 while the finger
tabs 42 are maintained in an engaged position. The second tab
portion 52 may be capable of engaging the recess 24 of the removal
feature 21b. The second tab portion 52 may have an axial width
about equal to the axial width of the removal feature 21b. The
second tab portion 52 may have a radial length about equal to the
radial depth of the removal feature 21b. Useful second tab portions
52 may have an axial width between about 1 mm and about 5 mm.
Useful second tab portions 52 may have a radial length between
about 1 mm and about 10 mm. The second tab portion 52 may have a
shape complementary to the shape of the recess 24. For example,
when the removal feature 21b comprises a radius slot 22, the second
tab portion 52 may be an arc-shaped portion 65, as shown in FIGS.
4a and 4b. The arc-shaped portion 65 may be capable of fitting
within a radius slot 22. When the removal feature 21b comprises a
round opening, the second tab portion 52 may be a pin-shaped
portion (not shown). The second tab portion 52 may fit within a tab
opening 47 of the shaft seating surface/finger tab guide 44.
[0034] The shaft seating surface/finger tab guide 44 may be
positioned on an after end 53 of a removal bolt 41. The shaft
seating surface/finger tab guide 44, as seen in FIGS. 4a and 4b,
may comprise a plurality of tab openings 47. The second tab portion
52 of the finger tab 42 may fit within the tab opening 47. The
number of tab openings 47 may equal the number of finger tabs 42.
The tab opening 47 may be capable of holding the second tab portion
52 in alignment with the recess 24 of the removal feature 21b.
During operation, the tab engagement retainer 43 may be manually
slid along the removal bolt 41, urging the second tab portion 52
radially outward and into the recess 24.
[0035] The tab engagement retainer 43 may comprise a cylindrical
member 54 and a retainer flange 55. The removal bolt 41 may fit
within the cylindrical member 54. The cylindrical member 54 may be
capable of sliding along the removal bolt 41. A retainer flange 55
may be positioned at one end of the cylindrical member 54. The
retainer flange 55 may be used to manually slide the tab engagement
retainer 43 towards the after end 53 of the removal bolt 41 such
that the second tab portion 52 is urged radially outward and into
the recess 24. The retainer flange 55 may be shaped such that
pivoting of the finger tab 42 is not prevented. For example, the
retainer flange 55 may be annular and may have an outer diameter
slot opening (not shown) to accommodate the pivoting of the finger
tab 42. A slanted feature 56 may be positioned at the other end of
the cylindrical member 54 to facilitate the radially outward urging
of the second tab portion 52. FIGS. 4a and 4b depict
cross-sectional views of the shaft seating surface/finger tab guide
44 of the removal tool 40 as viewed from the after end 53. In FIG.
4a, the removal tool 40 is in an unengaged position 57. In FIG. 4b,
the removal tool 40 is in an engaged position 58.
[0036] A bearing assembly 20 having the removal feature 21b of the
present invention may be removed using the removal tool 40. The
removal tool 40 may be positioned such that the second tab portions
52 are in-line with the recesses 24. The tab engagement retainer 43
may be slid towards the after end 53 and may urge the second tab
portions 52 into the recesses 24. The removal bolt 41 may be
rotated using a wrench to provide the axial force to remove the
bearing assembly 20.
[0037] Another embodiment of the removal tool 40 is shown in FIG.
5. This embodiment may be useful in applications where there is a
protuberance 64, such as a portion of tie bolt 28, in the bore of
the bearing shaft 25. The removal tool 40 is depicted in an engaged
position 58 above the bearing bore centerline axis 23 and in an
unengaged position 57 below the bearing bore centerline axis 23.
The removal tool 40 may comprise a removal bolt 41, finger tab 42,
reaction tube 59, and a removal nut/puller sleeve 60. The removal
bolt 41 may have bolt wrench flats 48a at a forward end 49. The
bolt wrench flats 48a may be used during manual turning of the
removal bolt 40 to supply axial force for bearing removal.
Alternately, the removal bolt 40 may have a cross-pin (not shown)
for use in providing the torque used to apply axial force.
[0038] The removal tool 40 may have a plurality of finger tabs 42.
The number of finger tabs 42 may equal the number of recesses 24 of
the removal feature 21b. The finger tab 42 may be an elongated
member 39 having a first tab portion 50 and a second tab portion
52. The first tab portion 50 may be in moveable contact with the
removal nut/puller sleeve 60 and the reaction tube 59. The second
tab portion 52 may be capable of engaging a recess 24 of a removal
feature 21b. The second tab portion 52 may have a shape
complementary to the shape of the recess 24.
[0039] The removal nut/puller sleeve 60 may be cylindrical and may
surround the removal bolt 41. The removal nut/puller sleeve 60 may
have sleeve wrench flats 48c on the outer diameter of one end and
finger tab holders 61 on the inner diameter of the other end. The
sleeve wrench flats 48c may be used to manually hold the removal
nut/puller sleeve 60 during bearing assembly removal. The finger
tab holders 61 of the removal nut/puller sleeve 60 may comprise a
recessed area capable of receiving the first tab portion 50 of
finger tab 42. The finger tab holder 61 may be capable of
positioning the first tab portion 50 such that the second tab
portion 52 is in alignment with a recess 24 of the removal feature
21b. The first tab portion 50 may be in moveable contact with the
finger tab holders 61 and the reaction tube 59.
[0040] The reaction tube 59 may be cylindrical and may be
positioned radially inward from the removal nut/puller sleeve 60.
The reaction tube 59 may be capable of being moved axially through
the removal nut/puller sleeve 60 by the removal bolt 41. The front
end 62 of the reaction tube 59 may be in contact with the after end
53 of removal bolt 41. The removal nut/puller sleeve 60 may be
capable of allowing for axial movement of the removal bolt 41 while
the finger tabs 42 are maintained in an engaged position 58, and
axial bearing removal load is reacted off of the after end 53 of
removal bolt 41 and into reaction tube 59. The outer diameter of
the back end 63 of the reaction tube 59 may be in movable contact
with the finger tab 42. The reaction tube 59 may be slid towards
the second tab portion 52 such that the second tab portion 52 may
be urged radially outward and into a recess 24 of the removal
feature 21b, as seen in FIG. 5.
[0041] A bearing assembly 20 having a protuberance 64 inside
bearing shaft 25 may be removed using a removal tool 40 of the
present invention. The removal tool 40 may be positioned such that
the protuberance 64 is radially inward from the reaction tube 59
and the removal nut/puller sleeve 60 and such that the second tab
portions 52 are radially in-line with the recesses 24. The reaction
tube 59 may be slid axially to urge the second tab portions 52 into
the recesses 24. The removal bolt 41 may be rotated using a wrench
to provide the axial force to remove the bearing assembly 20.
[0042] The axial length of the bearing shaft 25 may be reduced to
allow for access of the removal feature 21b by the removal tool 40,
as best seen in FIG. 1b. The bearing shaft 25 may be slotted to
allow for access for the removal tool 40. For many applications,
such as gas turbine engine and other thrust bearing applications,
the reduction in bearing shaft 25 length may not adversely affect
the bearing assembly 20 because the loads on the bearing may be
primarily carried by the bearing aft inner ring 38. Although, the
forward end of the bearing shaft 25 may be shorter, the bearing
shaft 25 may provide sufficient piloting and radial support under
the raceway to carry the full bearing loads. The bearing aft inner
ring 38 may be fully supported by the bearing shaft 25.
[0043] As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
present invention provides improved removal features and removal
tools for rolling element bearings and methods for their
production. A removal feature allowing for a reduction in bearing
inner ring length is provided. Also provided are removal tools for
removing entire bearing assemblies without part damage. Further, a
removal tool capable of removing a bearing having a press-fitted
inner ring, inaccessible outer diameter edge, and a shaft bore
protuberance is provided.
[0044] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing
relates to preferred embodiments of the invention and that
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
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